Retrial Delayed and New Charges Filed Against Justin Wolfe

The re-trial of Justin Michael Wolfe, whose previous conviction related to the murder of Daniel Robert Petrole Jr. was vacated by the federal courts, has been delayed. Additional charges have been filed against the former Chantilly High School student.

While the trial—initially set for Oct. 15—has been delayed, the judge did not set a new date. The new charges include first-degree murder, capital murder, two counts of drug distribution, and two charges of using a firearm in commission of a felony, according to Prince William County court records. 

Wolfe was convicted in 2002 of ordering Petrole’s 2001 murder, but the triggerman later recanted his story and testified on Wolfe’s behalf in federal court. Federal judges criticized how Prince William prosecutors handled the case.

After the state declined to appeal the federal court's decision to vacate Wolfe’s convictions, a Prince William County Circuit Court judge assigned a special prosecutor to the case.

In addition, Wolfe’s defense team is questioning whether Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Raymond Morrogh can try the case because of his relationship with attorneys for several people involved in the case.

Terri Steinberg, Wolfe’s mother, said she was stunned to learn additional charges had been filed. She had hoped prosecutors would decline to retry Wolfe.

“I’m scared to death,” Steinberg said.

More on the Justin Wolfe case:

Justin Wolfe Held Without Bail Until Retrial

Fourth Circuit Critical of Prosecutors in Wolfe Case

Triggerman: Death Row Inmate is Innocent